Equine Herpes Virus

An EHV-1/EHM outbreak tied to the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas (Nov 5–9) has led to multi-state spread, with confirmed cases reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, and South Dakota. As of Nov 21, 16 cases were confirmed across five states including Louisiana. We understand the 3 cases in Louisiana were horses hauled in from Texas to LSU after being unable to get admitted to a facility in their home state of Texas. No additional cases have been confirmed in Louisiana to our knowledge. Louisiana has not issued travel bans or requirements for equines. Horses returning from the Waco barrel racing events or exposed to affected animals are being asked to isolate at home, undergo temperature monitoring, and avoid competitions until cleared. Standard quarantine protocol for EHV‑1: Minimum 14 days for exposed horses, extended to 21–28 days if fever or clinical signs develop.